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December 2023: Holiday > Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien, 4 merry stars

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message 1: by Holly R W (last edited Dec 13, 2023 04:50AM) (new)

Holly R W  | 3243 comments The Tolkien kids were indeed lucky children! Father Christmas wrote them once a year at Christmas time. The letters began in 1920 and spanned twenty years, covering all of his four children's childhoods. Tolkien was an affectionate father. Several letters ended with "A big kiss."

The letters were imaginative and fun, telling tales of Father Christmas' life in the North Pole. They were full of travails with elves, reindeer, goblins and his trouble-prone friend, Polar Bear. Polar Bear was always getting into mischief, which must have delighted Tolkien's children. I know, because he delighted me!

Tolkien illustrated his letters with his own art work. They were a treat to see.

This is a book to read at a relaxed pace. It is coffee table sized. I recommend dipping into it and reading a little at a time.


message 2: by Nicole (new)

Nicole | 695 comments Too cute! I knew his Middle Earth novels were based on stories he told his children before bed, absolutely adorable that he also wrote them letters from Santa. What a great and creative father! Will have to look into this.


message 3: by Holly R W (new)

Holly R W  | 3243 comments I think you'll really enjoy the book. His tenderness with his children and interest in them came through in the letters.


message 4: by Book Concierge (last edited Dec 11, 2023 12:19PM) (new)

Book Concierge (tessabookconcierge) | 8537 comments I came across this a year or two ago. Just delightful!


message 5: by Holly R W (new)

Holly R W  | 3243 comments Tessa, I thought it was delightful, too. ;0)


message 6: by Nicole (new)

Nicole | 695 comments I just bought a copy and I’m going to gift it to my husband for Christmas. He’s a big Tolkien fan and it would be something special he could share with our son through the years. So thankful for your review Holly!


message 7: by Holly R W (new)

Holly R W  | 3243 comments Nicole, you've made my day! What a wonderful gift to your husband and son!


message 8: by Joanne (new)

Joanne (joabroda1) | 12862 comments Nicole, both your husband and son will have wonderful memories!

My daughter is also a big Tolkien fan-and I try to find things for her January birthday that would be perfect-and I had forgotten all about this Thanks for the reminder, Holly, it is in my cart!


message 9: by Holly R W (new)

Holly R W  | 3243 comments Joanne, I think your daughter will really like it, especially Tolkien's art work!


message 10: by Holly R W (new)

Holly R W  | 3243 comments Thanks, Ann. I can see why it's a favorite of yours.


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